Acute Kidney Injury Research Paper

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is sudden decrease in the function of the kidney due to a range of causes. Generally, AKI occurs as a result of other serious illnesses and with a lack of treatment it can lead to the build-up of salts and chemicals which can also affect the function of other organs. [1] Despite what the name may suggest, AKI does not occur as the result of a physical injury to the kidneys. [10] During the early stages of AKI, there are usually no symptoms, however if the patient isn't producing much urine that could be a warning sign. However later symptoms include, high blood pressure, vomiting, nausea, pain, dehydration, confusion and swelling in the body.[2]
AKI, even with treatment, can lead to complete kidney failure. It has
[5]Usually it occurs because of damage to the kidney tissue caused by ischemia which can be associated with several causes including, exposure to chemicals damaging to the kidney, inflammation in the kidney, or an obstruction in the urinary tract that blocks the flow of urine. [3] AKI is diagnosed on the basis of certain laboratory findings, such as elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, or the failure of the kidneys to generate enough urine. [4]AKI may lead to a number of complications, including metabolic acidosis, high potassium levels, uraemia, changes in body fluid balance, and effects on other organ systems, which may lead to
A nephron consists of one glomerulus and one U-shaped tubule that drain the waste into the renal pelvis. [4]The glomerular filtration barrier consists of endothelial cells, the glomerular basement membrane and visceral epithelial cells. Figure 1 shows the basic anatomy of the kidney. [4]
All molecules below the molecular size of albumin pass the filter and enter the tubule. An intricate counter current system forms a high osmotic gradient in the renal medulla that concentrates the filtrate.[4] The tubular epithelial cells reabsorb water, small proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and electrolytes, thereby regulating plasma osmolality, extracellular volume, blood pressure and acid–base and electrolyte balance. Non-reabsorbed compounds pass from the tubular system into the collecting ducts to form urine. [10]
Other functions of the kidney include acid-base regulation and secretion of hormones. The kidney plays a crucial part in water balance, and a key role in the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS). It detects hypovolemia in blood perfusing the kidneys and releases the hormone renin and starts a cascade of hormones which overall regulates plasma sodium concentration and arterial blood